Whether for general privacy protection or to avoid government intrusion, researchers are always looking for new ways to block cameras and microphones.
A Google engineer has developed a program that uses machine learning to make people’s images disappear from webcam footage. Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a shirt with pixelated patterns that prevent A.I. facial recognition programs from mapping your face and distinguishing facial features. And, if you’re worried about Amazon’s Alexa spying on you, you can purchase a microphone damping Alexa-fitted condom or “Alexagate,” which jams Alexa’s mic with ultrasonic sound.
Little doubt that such “Spy vs. Spy” technology will continue to proliferate.